The Drum Tower Guide

The Drum Tower of Xi'an (Gulou Tower), located in the heart of Xi'an in Shaanxi province of China, along with the Bell Tower it is a symbol of the city. Erected in 1380 during the early Ming Dynasty, it stands towering above the city center and offers incredible view of Xi'an.The Drum Tower got its name from the huge drum located within the building. In contrast to the Bell Tower, where bell was stricken at dawn, drum was beat at sunset to indicate the end of the day. In modern times, the Drum Tower is not used as a timer any more, but there are some new attractions for visitors to enjoy.

On the Drum Tower's first floor, lies a hall which hangs many large drums. Each was decorated with intrinsic and beautiful Chinese writing, which symbolizes good fortune. The impressive arrays of drums are only on show and visitors are not allowed to touch any of them. But there is an extra drum near the front entrance where visitors can pose for pictures for a small fee.Inside the Drum Tower there is also a drum museum, where a variety of drums are on display, some of which can be dated back thousands of years. There is a drum show performed here everyday. The top of the Drum Tower commands a panoramic view of the city.
Location:City center of Xian; Opening Hours: 8:00-22:00 (Apr. 1 - Oct. 31) 8:00-17:30 (Nov. 1 - the next Mar. 31); Contact number: + 86-10-58968802 Tickets: CNY 27/40

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• The Ancient City Wall
• Tang Dynasty Dance and Music
• Tomb of Emperor QinShiHuang
• Imperial Dumpling Banquet
• Terra-Cotta Warriors
• Mt. Hua
• The Great Mosque
• the Bell Tower
• Huaqing Hot Springs
• Shanxi Provincial History Museum
• The Drum Tower
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• Xian Banpo Museum
• Qianling Mausoleum
• Xi’an Muslim Street
• Forest of Stone Steles Museum Xian
• Site of Daming Palace